How Whole Class Reward Systems Work
While my title may possibly be a tad dramatic, Whole Class Reward Systems are pretty awesome. I have tried many different reward systems over the years. Some have cost me some serious dollars (which I didn’t love). Other’s failed miserably as I realized I didn’t have the time to support them and they fell by the waste side. I now try to avoid individual reward systems unless the situation is very specific to a need.
I’m often without an EA. When I do have an EA (insert dance party here, you are my hero’s), they are split between two classes. So it must to be easy and I need to be able to achieve it alone. These days I focus mainly on whole class systems. I purchased a little star reward jar for my whiteboard and it was a game changer. Once the students have filled it we have a pyjama day which I strategically plan for Fun Friday. It’s free and they love it.
Does this work? Is there enough motivation with whole class reward systems?
There is no better motivation to a six or seven year old than not having to get dressed and being told to bring their favourite stuffy. All this time that was all it took and I tell you they will comply, they do work hard, they can turn behaviours around like nobody’s business for pyjama day. It’s also a double bonus because I do not have to get dressed and it’s 100% approved by the school community. Ha. Dream job.
So how do I use the whole class reward system?
Most importantly they must never lose stars. Even if they earned one and immediately become a complete disaster (not that that ever happens ;)) they must not have an earned star removed. I tell other teachers that they should think of it as a pay check earned. When you go to work and earn your pay check it can not be docked. If we slack off or call in sick the next day that is a separate issue we earn no more, but we do not lose what we have already worked for. If you use negative reinforcement or punishment attached a reward system you will lose them. They will believe it is no longer worth the effort because they will view it as the adult not keeping their word or having too much leverage to remove the reward at their whim and thus making it an impossible task, so in turn they will give up and it will simply not work.
Is that it? What about Individual rewards? What do you mean Need Specific?
So one or two students a year might possibly need an individual reward system. This will be reflected in your students I.E.P.. Or you will just know because behaviour is escalating from a special need and it is important to address individually. In this case I use a star system. It takes consistency and needs to be given liberally until the behaviour is curbed. You get a star, you get a star, this whole audience gets a star! You get the point. So it usually looks something like this: Five velcro stars on a sheet that I have made, with a choice of pre-chosen reward. The student decides ahead of time what reward they would like to earn and we put it in the square that says I am working for… then they earn their stars.
They put their own stars on their sheet as you tell them. This one’s important for the buy in. they must do it themselves and feel like they have earned it. If you do it for them (always with good intentions) you will just be fostering dependence which is the opposite of what we are aiming for. Independence is key. Rewards are also free here so you will be aiming for: five minutes drawing, Stembin or lego play, playing a game on the iPad in a quiet corner etc…
One thing you will want to be wary of with Individual rewards and technology…
For some of our littles with special needs, technology can be a negative trigger. You will know this quite quickly if they are always trying to get an iPad at an inappropriate time, constantly asking for an iPad or trying to watch another student use an iPad when it is not their turn. I caution you when you see this behaviour and suggest that you don’t use the iPad as a reward. With the above behaviours your students is telling you that the iPad will not be a successful tool for them. Your student has negative connotations associated to the iPad in this case and it needs to be avoided. Rewards have to be something that your student can set a five minute sand timer for, enjoy and then successfully leave.
Key take aways from the Whole Class Reward System…
Keep it simple and make it free for you, it’s no longer fun if we are using our pay check to support it. Make individual reward systems as needed but keep them appropriate and sparse. Be wary of technology as a reward. There is never more than one or two students that will need this per year. Don’t make it more stress and work, if you do this you will give up and stop sticking to the system. The system is everything. Must – stick – to – the -system. So only do it if absolutely needed. If pyjama day isn’t your thing, 10 extra minutes of recess has also been equally successful for me. Find your thing or use one of my tried and trued. Wishing you the best.
With Love, C.
